Stu FritzStu Fritz

Hope College’s Stu Fritz is making a trip to Switzerland this week to help teach and grow the game of baseball.

The Flying Dutchmen’s head baseball coach is taking part in the International Sports Group’s January 27-28 Swiss Federation Coaches Clinic. 

Fritz will be joined at the clinic by pitching coach Brent Strom of the World Series champion Houston Astros and Rick Steen, a member of ISG Board of Directors. 

“I feel honored to be asked,” Fritz said. “It’s probably more exciting to go into somewhere baseball is newer and trying to give something back.”

Fritz became connected with ISG through his current role as an American Baseball Coaches Association Vice President. 

Fritz will give five different talks: Running a competitive practice, Offensive strategies, multi-faceted defensive drills, Catching and Improving the mental character of baseball players. 

Fritz also is looking forward to spending time with Strom. 

“I cannot wait to pick his brain a little pick, as well as Rick’s with his years of experience,” Fritz said. “I will probably learn as much as the people I’m speaking to.” 

Fritz is in his 25th season as head baseball coach at Hope College. He has a career record of 529-400-2, including a 378-202 mark in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play with nine league titles. 

The Flying Dutchmen are scheduled to open the 2018 season on March 10 with a non-league doubleheader against Hanover in Grand Park, Indiana.